Different stages of FPV integration

[dominicm]

Typing this up to assist those who are potentially interested in trying FPV. For me these are the different levels of FPV integration into a model ending up with the most immersive in-cockpit experience. It's a work in-progress and I'll add more detail as I come up with it and get feedback. If anyone would like advice/help please reach out to me by private message or face to face down at the club.

1. Add FPV camera
   1. PROS
      Immersive In cockpit view if in a scale model or at minimum, onboard direct forward view if in a wing
      More intuitive radio control than line of sight (LOS) flying
      Recording video from cockpit view
   2. CONS
      Additional weight of FPV camera and its air unit/video transmitter (VTX). Not practical for small models.
      Must have Spotter to fly legally
      Best if Spotter is a competent pilot to take control in the event of losing FPV signal
   3. WHAT YOU NEED (based on my experience)
      Caddx Walksnail Goggles L or Goggles X and a Caddx Walksnail camera/air unit (several options)
      DJI Digital FPV Goggles (several options) and DJI Digital FPV air unit
2. Add Flight Controller (including GPS) connected to FPV camera
   1. PROS
      Provides real time telemetry to FPV goggles view including speed, altitude, battery voltage, return to home vector, distance from home etc
   2. CONS
      Additional weight
      Steep iNav learning curve although minimal as just for telemetry
   3. WHAT YOU NEED
      SpeedyBee or Matek flight controller
      Basic soldering skills
      iNav firmware configuration knowledge
3. Connect receiver and servos into Flight Controller
   1. PROS
      Provides autonomous flight modes including
      • Acro for gyro stabilised flight
      • Angle/Horizon for auto-levelling (much like SAFE)
      • Altitude hold
      • Loiter
      • Return to home (awesome if FPV goggles view is lost)
   2. CONS
      Steep iNav learning curve
   3. WHAT YOU NEED
      Download iNav
4. Put FPV camera in 1, 2 or 3 axis gimbal so can move with transmitter sliders
   1. PROS
      Flexibility in viewing direction from cockpit
   2. CONS
      Possible challenges flying aircraft and using sliders to move gimbal axes
   3. WHAT YOU NEED
      Gimbal. Many options between 3D printed options through to purpose gimbals like XF Robot C20T
5. Add head tracking to move gimbal naturally
   1. PROS
      Fully immersive and most realistic FPV view
   2. CONS
      None
   3. WHAT YOU NEED
      FPV goggles with integrated head tracking. For example Caddx Walksnail Goggles L or a 3rd party head tracker to stick onto existing FPV goggles. For example XF Robot Head Tracker.

[Chris S]

Thanks Dom ! I was looking at this FPV flying and had no ideas on equipment needed.

I'm guessing a fixed wing cockpit view FPV setup would set me me back £300-£400?

Thanks, Chris s.

[dominicm]

Sorry for the late reply...but yes. It's about that for the goggles and an FPV air unit/camera.